Response to scrutiny of the Welsh Government's Draft Budget proposals
While recent increases in funding to respond to the pandemic have been welcomed, finances remain extremely tight. This will continue to be the case as demand on the NHS and social care continues to grow, the costs of providing care increase and the impact of a potential economic recession following the COVID-19 pandemic is felt by Welsh communities.
Healthcare, and reducing health inequality and maintaining people’s mental health and wellbeing, should be at the heart of the Welsh Government’s draft budget.
NHS Wales organisations do not underestimate the significant challenges of public service budget-setting in a time of unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Boards and Trusts across Wales are committed to doing the very best they can to deliver high-quality, timely and safe care to the people of Wales. Our members also recognise the importance of improving population wellbeing by supporting an environment that enables people to maintain good physical and mental health for as long as possible.
Finally, we need to emphasise the importance of working with partners across the public sector so that we may rise collectively to the challenges we face.
